Why is Hervey Bay so famous for Whale Watching?
You’ll find whale watching tours in destinations all along Australia’s east coast.
But Hervey Bay is different.
Every winter, humpback whales migrate along Australia’s eastern coastline. Thousands visit the waters around Hervey Bay, where the protected environment created by K’gari provides an important place to rest, socialise and nurture young.
That’s one of the reasons Hervey Bay has earned its reputation as Australia’s Whale Watch Capital.
The whales actually stop here
This is perhaps the biggest difference between Hervey Bay and many other whale watching destinations.
Instead of simply watching migrating whales travelling past the coastline, visitors can encounter whales spending time within the bay.
That can mean fascinating natural behaviours ranging from breaching and tail slapping to spy-hopping and curious approaches to vessels.
Protected waters beside K’gari
World Heritage-listed K’gari helps shelter Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait.
The shallow, sheltered waters of Platypus Bay are particularly important during whale season.
For visitors, the location creates a spectacular backdrop for a day on the water.
A globally recognised whale destination
Hervey Bay was recognised in 2019 as part of the world’s first Whale Heritage Site designation, alongside The Bluff in South Africa.
The recognition reflects the region’s long relationship with whales, conservation, research and responsible whale tourism.
There’s a whale tour for almost everyone
Another advantage of whale watching in Hervey Bay is choice.
Depending on how you’d like to experience the whales, you can choose from:
- Half-day whale watching cruises
- Full-day whale watching adventures
- Smaller vessels
- Larger purpose-built vessels
- Family-friendly cruises
- Accessible options
- Selected swim-with-whales experiences
- Whale watching and K’gari combinations
Not sure which one suits you?
Experience Hervey Bay is locally based at Whale Bay Marina and can help compare the different cruises, vessels and inclusions.
Explore Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours
